Pope Leo XIV condemns collective punishment amid rising Gaza casualties

In Gaza, the situation has been dire as the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen amid the ongoing conflict fueled by Hamas's October 2023 assault on southern Israel. On a particular Sunday, at least 73 Palestinians lost their lives while trying to receive aid, according to reports from hospitals and witnesses. The fatalities occurred when crowds were queuing for food in northern Gaza and were reportedly fired upon by Israeli soldiers and tanks. Medical officials reported that about 67 of these victims were gunned down as they attempted to reach aid coming through the Zikim crossing with Israel. The Gaza health ministry has verified these figures, indicating that the violence directed at civilians seeking assistance is escalating. In a parallel incident, earlier that week, a minimum of 32 Palestinians were also killed while waiting for food distributed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Reports suggest that since May, the Israeli military has been involved in numerous instances of firing on crowds approaching aid distribution points, leading to hundreds of deaths amidst increasing hunger and desperation. Pope Leo XIV's public condemnation highlights urgent issues surrounding humanitarian law and the treatment of civilians in conflict zones. He stressed the necessity for adherence to international regulations protecting non-combatants, particularly criticizing the practice of collective punishment and the indiscriminate force employed during military actions. In his statement, he expressed sorrow regarding the violence impacting innocent lives and called for an immediate ceasefire to end the ongoing hostilities. Underscoring the tragic toll on life in Gaza, the pontiff also described the consequences of military operations on non-combatants, relating to both Palestinian casualties and the attack on the only Catholic church in the Gaza Strip, which recently resulted in three deaths and multiple injuries. The shelling damaged the church compound, which was offering sanctuary to many Palestinians amidst the chaos of war. The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza affects a population of over two million, many of whom face repeated displacements due to the conflict, increasing their reliance on limited aid. As the international community watches, calls for peace and protection of the civilian population are becoming ever more urgent.